Statistics (MSc)

You'll need a 2.1 degree which has a high maths content and you must have high grades in mathematical and statistics modules.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

On the full-time course, your studies will last 12 months from September to the following September. You’ll study taught modules for the first 2 semesters, and complete 2 case studies over the summer. 

On MSc Statistics, you’ll learn research skills and attend presentations on transferrable skills and employability.

You'll develop independent learning skills and have the opportunity to conduct and gain experience of an in-depth open-ended statistical investigation in two case studies.

Pathways

You'll choose from two pathways on this course: our default MSc Statistics pathway – also known as the Methods and Applications pathway – and the Data Science pathway. 

Methods and Applications pathway

On our default MSc Statistics pathway, you will:

• study the fundamental theory underlying key statistical methods in the Likelihood and Bayesian Inference module
• gain knowledge of widely used regression models in the Generalised Linear Models module
• acquire essential computational skills for advanced statistical analyses in the Statistical Computing in R and Computationally Intensive Statistical Methods modules
• receive training in communication, especially with non-statisticians, and teamwork in the Research Communication Skills module – equipping you with essential skills for a career in industry and interdisciplinary research projects

Data Science pathway

The Data Science Pathway emphasises computational skills for complex data analysis, while maintaining a strong focus on statistical rigour. 

You'll study the same core topics as the Methods and Applications pathway, and you'll also:

• further develop your computational and data analysis skills in the Introduction to Python and Fundamentals of Data Science in R modules
• explore advanced methodologies in the Machine Learning module

We also offer these modules as optional choices on the Methods and Applications pathway.

Optional modules

We offer a wide range of additional optional modules on this course to help you broaden your understanding of statistics, and build on the knowledge and skills you'll acquire through the compulsory modules.

These optional modules include:

• Forecasting
• Design of Experiments
• Flexible Regression

We also offer optional modules which focus on biomedical applications, including:

• Epidemiological Methods
• Statistical Genetics
• Clinical Trials

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You'll learn through lectures, seminars, computer workshops, case studies, group work, project work and independent study. 

You’ll use specialist computer packages in several modules. Specialist packages include SAS and R, which are the main systems that an applied statistician would be expected to use.

On this MSc you’ll be taught a variety of techniques, methods and approaches of statistics and how to apply them to practical problems.

Assessment

We’ll assess you through: 

• examinations
• coursework
• presentations
• assignments
• dissertation

Dissertation

As part of your course, you’ll need to complete a Statistics Project.

This is an in-depth study of a particular advanced statistical methodology or of the application of one or more methods to real applied problems.

Academic Support

We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £25,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Mathematics.

Find out more about the Southampton Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

You may also be asked to provide a degree transcript.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000